Monday 1 April 2013

Best Of Year So Far

Now into the second quarter of the year already. Here is my favourite new releases so far. It's looking like a strong year already.

Lifesigns - Lifesigns New band that includes Nick Beggs (Steve Hackett, Steven Wilson). I was expecting some nice neo prog. This is much more complex and involving.

Riverside - Shrine of New Generation Slaves Poland's premier prog band delivers their most song based collection. They never disappoint.

Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing For me the culmination of everything that has gone before. This is now more about a fantastic band playing fantastic music. Album of the year so far.

Guapo - History of the Visitation This band has changed a lot since their early Magma influenced Zeuhl sound. With the great Kavus Torabi from Knifeworld on board this album bristles with complex, dark, brooding instrumental prog. Their best yet.

Thieves Kitchen - One for Sorrow, Two for Joy 2008's "The Water Road" was a complete triumph, with ex-Anglagard member Thomas Johnson giving the band an added dimension to their sound. This follow up is just as good. One of Britains best prog bands who don't get as much attention as they deserve.

Cosmograf - The Man Left In Space The second album by Robin Armstrong under the Cosmograf banner is even better than the previous "When Age Has Done It's Duty". Helped out by a host of great musicians from Big Big Train, Spocks Beard and the like this is a superbly executed concept piece about the space program. Quite touching as well.

Henry Fool - Men Singing Brilliant instrumental music in the vein of Quiet Sun. Hence why Phil Manzanera is on two tracks. Another great project with Tim Bowness.

Big Big Train - English Electric Part 2 Amazing that they have kept the quality up after last years exemplary Part 1, which was one of the albums of the year.

Von Hertzen Brothers - Nine Lives A great modern rock record with prog overtones. These guys should be huge!

Sanguine Hum - The Weight of the World Another great release from Esoterics Antenna imprint. The second from this band and very sophisticated and original.

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